No need to check quality of anti-rabies vaccine, says Health Minister; Expert committee will investigate, corrects CM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The chief minister corrected the health minister’s explanations in the adjournment motion proposed by the opposition leader demanding immediate action to solve the issue of stray dogs. In her explanation in the house, Health Minister Veena George said that there is no need to check the quality of vaccines and that the committee appointed to study the rabies deaths will submit its report within two weeks.

However, the chief minister corrected the health minister’s remark on the quality of the vaccines and said, “What the minister said is the opinion of health experts. However, the rabies deaths have caused concern among the people. Hence, an expert committee will be appointed to look into the vaccines and it would be implemented by the health department”. Opposition leader V D Satheesan welcomed the chief minister’s action.

Earlier, the health minister had informed the house that the government is working towards a mission to eliminate rabies death in the state by 2025 and this will be implemented in coordination with various departments. She added that the vaccines were made available via the medical service corporation and its quality has been ensured by two in-house tests. Adequate criteria are being followed in vaccine storage and distribution. The news that 50,000 vial vaccines were withdrawn is not true. Following a complaint, it was sent for inspection and no problem was found, said the minister.

Meantime, the speaker warned the minister for her responses on the issues of Kerala Medical Service Corporation’s activities and the PPE kit scam. The speaker directed that such actions should not be repeated and vague answers should not be given repeatedly to the questions raised in the house.